Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim, currently on loan at Norwegian Tippeligaen side Stromsgodset IF, is the subject of reported interest from a host of English Premier League clubs, Sky Sports understands.
Newcastle United have been linked with a January swoop for Ibrahim, but the Magpies will now face competition from Crystal Palace, Everton and Hull City for the highly-rated Norway Under-21 international.
Roberto Mancini handed Ibrahim, who joined City’s youth academy on a four-year deal from little-known Fjellhamar FK in 2007, his senior debut for the Citizens in the FA Cup clash against Scunthorpe United on 24 January 2010.
However, the 22-year-old midfielder has since made just two appearances for City, having been loaned out to three different clubs over the past three seasons.
“I think it is speculation,” Stromsgodset director of sport Jostein Flo told VG.
“I will have a meeting with [Manchester] City in two or three weeks and then we will probably hear more.
“He is on loan with us until the end of the year, but we would like to keep him.”
Ibrahim, whose current contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the season, has helped put Stromsgodset in position to secure their first league title since 1970 on the final day of the season.
Godset — one point clear of second-placed Rosenborg BK — head into Sunday’s title-deciding match against FK Haugesund unbeaten in their last seven league fixtures.
Stromsgodset (4/11); Haugesund (9/1); Draw (9/2)
Otigba rejected Liverpool move
SC Heerenveen centre-back Kenny Otigba has revealed he rejected the opportunity to join Liverpool in 2012.
Otigba, 21, was advised by his agent to turn down the Reds’ approach in favour honing his craft in Friesland.
“My mom told me to go to Liverpool but my agent was more realistic. He said the Dutch school is better than the English,” Otigba told Voetbal International.
“But English football has always been my dream.”
It must be said that the decision to rebuff Liverpool has certainly been proven correct for Otigba.
The Hungary Under-21 international has become a first-team regular under Marco van Basten at the Abe Lenstra Stadion this season.
Otigba has scored two goals in 13 appearances in all competitions for De Superfriezen in 2013/14.
The Nigerian-born defender, who has expressed his desire to play his international football for the Super Eagles, put pen to paper on a new three-year deal, with a club option for a further two years, earlier this week.
Otigba is 25/1 to open the scoring when Heerenveen host RKC Waalwijk on Friday.
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